BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Maryville softball team split its Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) doubleheader on Friday at Southwest Baptist, falling in extra innings in game one before bouncing back with a strong pitching performance by freshman Mia Maxel to take the nightcap.

Jenna Kosnoff tallied home runs in both games to move to a team leading 12, one shy of the single-season program record, while freshman first-basemen Laila Ruiz tallied a long ball of her own to move to 11. 

Maxel picked up the win in game two, going five innings out of the bullpen while giving up just one run to earn her fourth win of her career. 

GAME 1 | Southwest Baptist 6, Maryville 5 (8 inn.)
The Saints struck first with two runs in the opening frame and added single runs in the third, fourth and sixth innings to build a 5-3 advantage. Power was a key factor, as Maryville launched two home runs in the contest, including one from Kosnoff and another from Ruiz. Ruiz finished with a team-high two RBIs, while Miranda Bondurant added a clutch two-run double.

Southwest Baptist chipped away, tying the game late before walking it off in the eighth inning. Maryville out-hit the Bearcats 7-9 but was hindered by three defensive errors and left 10 runners on base.

GAME 2 | Maryville 4, Southwest Baptist 1
Maryville plated runs in the first, second and fourth innings to grab control early, highlighted by a two-run homer from Kosnoff who finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Leah Perales added a double and a run scored.

In the circle, Maryville combined for a strong outing, allowing just one run on six hits while limiting Southwest Baptist's scoring opportunities. After Cora Boyle opened the game with two scoreless innings, Maxel delivered five solid frames in relief to secure the win.

UP NEXT
The Saints are off for the rest of the weekend, heading back on the road next Sunday for a two-game set at McKendree.